War

The tailor zipped the measuring tape around the Captain’s chest, his chattering filling the silence as the soldier looked out into the street. His wife and kids were waving at him from the pavement, pressing their faces against the glass while the tailor’s back was turned. The Captain stifled a laugh.

The tailor flinched. “Sir, Please,..”

The shop was gone.

Only the desert remained. Only the bullets. Only the blood. Only Private Allen’s twisted body as he begged for help.

The Captain collapsed into tears at the words.

“…. Sir,……… please,…..”.

(c) Tim Austin 2016. Promo image by Jacob Valerio via Unsplash.

PTSD is a harrowing burden that I would not wish on anyone. I hope in this story that people reflect a little on it with compassion and care.

I’m looking for new one word story titles all the time! Tell me yours in the comments section or tweet them to me@timaustin2kusing the hashtag #onewordonestory.

I’ve no idea why but the first image I had for this word was Churchill sat drinking with Hitler pleasantly. It adapted in the writing but,… what an extraordinary idea,…. I mean, what would they talk about?! There’s a hell of a book in that,….

Hit that follow button and like the OWOS Facebook page for more! Suggest your own one-word titles by popping your word in the comments below.

Every breath was defiance: every kick was flung against a fate that was as cruel and cold as the depths below. Amid the mountainous swells, crashing and flailing as spray stung his cheeks, the last of the Derby PALS rolled and twisted in the grey dawn. A thousand miles away his love was waiting; a thousand miles away, a father would be welcomed home. A new day was dawning on the surging mid-Atlantic, the Laconia now settling to her bed and sleeping far below. A wedding was expected back in England: a searchlight was gleaming on the horizon.

(c) Tim Austin 2016

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I’m getting some great words suggested – to add yours, tweet them using the hashtag #onewordonestory and I’ll credit you with the inspiration!